Ball State was on fire in the first half, shooting 68.4 percent from the floor, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. The Cardinals took a 38-37 lead into the break. SIU shot 53.3 percent on field goal tries and were able to shoot 11 more field goal attempts than Ball State.

Both teams struggled in the second period of play but the Salukis played a little bit better. SIU shot 39.1 percent from the field. Ball State shot 32 percent from the floor, including a miserable 1-of-14 from 3-point range. SIU went on a 10-3 run late in the game to seal its fate.

The Cardinals were plagued by 21 turnovers, while SIU committed just 13 miscues.